SASSAFRAS IS MOST COMMON in the
southern half of Missouri, where it attains its greatest heights on deep, moist
soils. It can commonly be found along fence rows and as isolated trees in fields.
Farmers and other landowners try to keep it out of their pastures. With the
help of birds and its ability to sprout, it is one of the pioneer tree species
to invade abandoned fields.
The leaves are borne alternate on the stem and vary in shapes and degree of lobing; with non, two or three lobes present. The two-lobed leaf looks like a mitten. The leaf is thick, glossy, and yellow-green above and chalky white below. There are no teeth on the margin.
The berries in autumn look like miniature blue golf balls perched on tee-like, fleshy red stalks.
Sassafras has a uniquely flavored oil in the roots and other parts
of the tree. Sassafras tea is of course, famous, but not many know that is is
also the principal flavoring in rootbeer. In early spring the tender roots can
be dug, cleaned, and dried or boiled green. After splitting into several pieces
the roots, boiled in water, yield a tea which the early settlers used to thin
out blood. It was an old Indian medication. It was believed by some Chinese,
Indians, and certain Americans that a plant with a strong pleasant smell wards
off evil spirits.
Aside from its unique appearance and unusual characteristics, the berry-like drupe furnishes food for squirrels, quail and wild turkeys.
Usually sassafras grows in such poor soils that it seldom reaches commercial size. When it does, however, it makes good lumber which is avidly sought by Ozark guides for boat paddles. It is used also to build boats and it makes beautiful paneling. Quite durable, it is often used for fence posts.
